Indiana Jazz Festivals
You can experience some of the best jazz music in the world right here in Indiana!
You are probably already familiar with the Indy Jazz Fest which brings some of the best national jazz artists to Indianapolis each year and features some local greats.
Indy Jazz Fest
2023 is the 25th year for this festival which is the largest (of many) annual performance program put on by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. That’s 25 years of some amazing local talent and national talent coming to Indianapolis every year. It is an all-ages event and very family-friendly. In recent past years, it has been a two-day festival at MacAllister Amphitheater in Garfield Park. There is typically an Indy Jazz Fest kick-off celebration too. This event happens before the festival and features 20 to 30 local acts at the Jazz Kitchen.
Indy Jazz Fest has become a beloved yearly tradition for Indianapolis residents but the lineups are so amazing that it attracts music-lovers from out-of-state too. The format this year is going to be a little different but audiences will be surprised at the experience and quality of talent and presentation(s). The dates for the festival will run from September 20-30. This year the full lineup will be announced on July 18th so stay tuned or sign up to get
So if you haven’t been to Indy Jazz Fest, it is a great year to check it out!
Did you know there are several other jazz festivals throughout the state? Let’s explore some of them and see what makes them special!
Elkhart Jazz Fest
June 22-25, 2023 was the Elkhart Jazz Fest’s 35th year! Their theme was “Strike a Chord in 2023!” This festival started in 1988 and attracts audiences of 20K in size. It is also one of few volunteer-delivered jazz festivals with over 200 volunteers each year!
Why is Elkhart, Indiana such a hub for jazz? Elkhart is known as the Band Instrument Capital of the World. According to their website, Elkhart companies employ nearly 2,000 skilled craftsmen in the production of instruments that turn music into art. The famous Woodwind & Brasswind music store and warehouse used to be there.
Especially for those in Northern, Indiana, remember to watch for Elkhart Jazz Fest. Their lineups are continuously great and it provides one of the best opportunities to see jazz music live!
Cole Porter Festival
Peru, Indiana is home to the Cole Porter Festival which celebrates the life and legacy of jazz legend Cole Porter in his hometown. Cole Porter’s hometown is Peru and his music is loved by so many fans. The festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to his birthday, which is June 9th, 1891.
“We honor the memory of Porter with traditional focus, as well as innovative new experiences to encourage interest among new and diverse audiences.”
This festival even hosts Cole’s Cover-Tune Contest for local artists to compete and perform. If you want to learn more about Cole Porter, you can check out his profile on their website. And, you probably know or have hear some of his songs.
Carmel Jazz Fest
The Carmel Jazz Festival is an annual event. Their mission is to “celebrate Indiana’s rich Jazz music history, highlight national and international Jazz, R&B and Blues musicians and spotlight and educate emerging, upcoming artists all to highlight the world class venues and greenspaces located in Carmel, Indiana in the hopes of energizing the community through the vibrant sounds of Jazz, Blues and R&B music.”
This year you can check out The Carmel Jazz Festival on Friday, August 11th and Saturday August 12th. Check out some great local music including Spyro Gyra, Evelyn Champagne King, Josh Kaufman, Jennie DeVoe, and more!
If you’re interested in sponsoring, becoming a donor, food vendor or art market vendor, or you’re an artist/band interested in playing future festivals, or you want to volunteer, it is easy to get involved. You can “Get Jazzed!” on their website.
There Are Amazing Jazz Festivals All Across The State of Indiana!
These are just some of the great annual jazz festivals you can check out.
What about the blues?
Those who enjoy jazz, oftentimes enjoy blues. And, Indiana has some great Blues festivals too, including the Southern Indiana Blues Festival and the Fishers Blues Festival. Blues derived from folk music and has more vocals than jazz which is often more instrumental. And, blues has been around longer than jazz, but the genres have an obvious overlap.
No matter what part of Indiana you are from, there is a Jazz and/or Blues festival close and hopefully you get to check out one (or all!!) of them. If you’re interested, you can check out some great Indiana jazz artists on these playlists provided by the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation.